Go with your mothers gut if you think it seems to much a dose for a small child ask for a second opinion .do some research and decide what would be best.Make sure the child is getting out in the sun each day ..good luck .
My 2 year old is also on what would normally be considered a higher dose. In asking questions of my pediatrician I found out that sometimes dosage can be determined by where you live. For example, I live in Canada and during the winter months our daylight time is short, so our kids have a higher tendancy toward Vit. D deficiency. If you live in a warm sunnier climate it is less likely.
Don't ever be afraid to double check with your Dr. or get a second opinion. When it comes to medications and vitamins I have also found my pharmacist to be a great resource. Just remember that although there may be "standards", there are also individual circumstances that are taken into consideration. But if there is the slightest doubt, then ask your Dr. or another. It never hurts to be cautious.
I would not worry about the 4,000 IU dosage. When you are deficient in vitamin D, it is standard to increase the dose a high level for a while then go down to a smaller routine dose.
For comparison, I was deficient in vitamin D, I did 50,000 IU/day for 2 months then I was told to take 2,000 IU/day every day for the rest of my life.
Mon son is 24 months old and takes 1,000 IU/day every day and I have read that some children take even more every day.
Vitamin D is so interesting to me. It is a real hot button for women these days too to increase their levels. I'm taking a vit. D supplement myself currently to try and up my levels. Not because anyone told me to but because I've just been hearing so much about it.
Don't forget too that a good dose of outside sunshine helps. We have a bay window and we'll sit in the window seat and read a story. And of course, playing outside.
anyway, agree with above that you should call and ask your doctor about the amount suggested. Seems high. Maybe doc has made a mistake or can explain more to you. goodluck
I would agree with you regarding the amount and suggest you ask the doctor why that level ...I copied this out for you Children's Dosage of Vitamin D Photo Credit Children image by My 3 kids from Fotolia.com
In the United States, approximately 70 percent of children aren't getting enough vitamin D, according to a study published by Dr. Juhi Kumar and colleagues in the August 2009 issue of "Pediatrics." Making sure your child gets the proper dosage of vitamin D daily can help prevent health complications caused by this nutrient deficiency. Consult your child's pediatrician if you have questions regarding the proper children's dosage of vitamin D.
Infants
Until they reach 1 year of age, infants need to consume 400 international units, or IU, of vitamin D every day. Though breast milk is an essential source of a number of nutrients, including vitamin C, breast milk doesn't contain adequate levels of vitamin D. Consequently, infants who are exclusively or partially breastfed need to get their daily dose of vitamin D in supplement form. Mothers who choose not to breastfeed should provide their babies with vitamin D-fortified formula to ensure their nutritional needs for this nutrient are met. Infants and children under the age of 18 should not be administered vitamin D supplements unless this treatment is recommended by a medical professional.
5 Foods you must not eat: Cut down a bit of stomach fat every day by never eating these 5 foods. Beyonddiet.com
Sponsored Links
Toddlers, Young Children, Preteens and Adolescents
During childhood and throughout adolescence, kids need to get 600 IU of vitamin D on a daily basis. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient involved in dental health maintenance, muscle and immune function, cell and bone growth. The human body is able to produce vitamin D naturally when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Though skin protection is important, covering your child in clothing or sun block before venturing outdoors may limit the ability of your child's body to naturally produce vitamin D. Allowing your child to play outdoors for brief periods of time without excessive skin protection may help him get the vitamin D he needs. Alternatively, providing your child with access to vitamin D-rich foods, including fortified dairy products, juices or breakfast cereals, can also help ensure his daily vitamin D needs are met. In certain cases, vitamin D supplements may also be appropriate for your child.
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
To limit your child's risk of experiencing side effects from too much vitamin D, your child should not get more than the tolerable upper intake level for his age group. During the first six months of life, infants should not get more than 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the daily dosage of vitamin D for infants up to 12 months old should not exceed 1,500 IU. The tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D for toddlers younger than 4 years old and young children between 4 and 8 years old are 2,500 IU and 3,000 IU, respectively. Anyone age 9 or older should not get more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D in a day.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/385337-childrens-dosage-of-vitamin-d/#ixzz1xK0ucv9k